THE mother of a 12-year-old girl, found hanged in her bedroom on Christmas Day, paid tribute yesterday to "the most loving daughter anyone could wish for".

THE mother of a 12-year-old girl, found hanged in her bedroom on Christmas Day, paid tribute yesterday to "the most loving daughter anyone could wish for".

Georgina Phelan was discovered at her home in Hebburn, South Tyneside, by distraught relatives.

An ambulance crew arrived at the scene shortly afterwards but was unable to revive her.

In a statement, Debbie Phelan said, "Tragically on Christmas Day my daughter Georgi was taken from us.

"She was my princess. She was the most loving daughter anyone could have wished for. Her family will always cherish her."

She added that relatives, including her husband Peter, son also called Peter and daughter Becky, wanted to be left in peace to grieve.

Detectives have ruled out any suspicious circumstances.

Detective Inspector Rob Coulson said, "A tragedy like this would be devastating to a family at any time of the year, but on that day of all days it was particularly shocking."

Neighbours also spoke of their sadness.

Marie McMillan, 71, said, "She was lovely. It must have devastated them. She had wished me Happy Christmas that morning.

"She was a really lovely child. There was no sign that something like this could happen.

"I spoke to the little girl on Christmas morning and she was so excited about the top she had got for Christmas.

"I found out what happened when I was walking my dog the next morning and I was very shocked. It's a terrible thing to happen on Christmas Day."

Georgina was a pupil at Hebburn Comprehensive School and in a statement South Tyneside local education authority said, "The tragic death of Georgina Phelan has shocked the whole community and everyone's first thoughts are for the family.

"All staff, pupils and governors at Georgi's school have been stunned and deeply saddened by the death